Hanoi is a city where food lives on every corner, every alley, and every tiny plastic stool. For travelers, exploring Hanoi street food is not just about eating—it’s about discovering culture, history, and the local way of life.
From sizzling grills to fragrant broths and crispy fried treats, this guide covers the 20 best Hanoi street foods you must try, especially if you’re exploring the iconic Old Quarter.
👉 If you want to taste these dishes with a local foodie who knows every hidden gem, check out our: Hanoi Street Food Tour
Why Hanoi is a Street Food Paradise?
Hanoi’s cuisine is built on balance – sweet, salty, spicy, tangy, and herbal freshness. Each dish tells a story about northern Vietnamese culture: subtle, refined, elegant, yet full of character.
Food is everywhere:
- In narrow 1-meter alleys
- On sidewalks filled with smoke and sizzling sounds
- Inside shops operating for decades
- In markets that awaken at dawn
Eating street food in Hanoi is like experiencing the city’s heartbeat.
Top 20 Must-Try Hanoi Street Foods
Pho Bo – Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup
Pho Bo is the soul of Hanoi cuisine. The broth is simmered for 10–12 hours with beef bones, star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, creating a clear yet deeply flavorful soup.
Where to try:
- Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan – Address: 49 Bat Dan Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Pho Suong – Address: 24 Trung Yen Lane, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
- Pho Vui – Address: 25 Hang Giay Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su – Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su tr, Hang Trong Ward, Hanoi
- Phở bò Khôi Hói- Address: 50C Hang Vai Str, Hanoi
📌 Want to try the most authentic pho? Our guide takes you to a legendary local pho shop on the 👉 Hanoi Street Food Tour
Pho Ga – Chicken Noodle Soup (Optimized Version)
Apart from beef Pho, Hanoi chicken noodle soup contributes considerably to the quintessential Vietnamese cuisine. The golden pieces of tender chicken with the aroma of onions and ginger spread, making everyone fall in love. Each location offers a unique experience, but none more so than Hanoi.
Where to Try the Best Chicken Pho in Hanoi
- Phở gà Hàng Hòm – Address: 15C Hang Hom Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Phở Gà Hàng Điếu – Address: 01 Hang Dieu Str, Hanoi
- Phở Gà Nguyệt – Address: 5B Phu Doan Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
Bun Cha – Grilled Pork With Vermicelli
Made world-famous when President Obama enjoyed it in Hanoi, Bún Chả features char-grilled pork, white vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a sweet-savory dipping sauce. It is one of the most iconic dishes of the capital.
Where to try:
- Bún Chả Que Tre – Address: 33 Hang Giay Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
- Bún Chả Ta – Address: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Bún Chả Hàng Quạt – Address: 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Bún Chả Đắc Kim – Address: 01 Hang Manh Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Bún chả Cửa Đông – Address: 41 Cua Dong Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
Banh Mi – Vietnamese Sandwich
Hanoi-style Banh Mi is crispier and lighter than Saigon’s version. A loaf of banh mi can be stuffed with pork, pate, salted ham and a mixture of Vietnamese herbs like coriander, cucumber, egg, carrot, radish, etc. With a crispy texture and a variety of textures, you’ll enjoy spicy, salty, sweet, and aromatic flavors in every bite.
Where to try:
- Bánh Mì Mama – 54 Ly Quoc Su
- Bánh Mì Phố Cổ – 38 Dinh Liet
- Bánh Mì 25 – Address: 25 Hang Ca Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
- Bánh Mì Phố – Address: 57C Dinh Tien Hoang Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
- Bánh mì Lãn Ông – Address: 20 Cha Ca Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
Egg Coffee – Ca Phe Trung
Egg coffee is a Hanoi invention: whipped egg yolks mixed with condensed milk, poured over hot coffee. Creamy, sweet, rich—often compared to tiramisu.
Where to try:
- Cafe Giang – 39 Nguyen Huu Huan
- Dinh Coffee – 13 Dinh Tien Hoang
Bánh Cuốn – Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls
Bánh cuốn is one of Hanoi’s signature breakfast dishes. These thin steamed rice sheets are stuffed with minced pork and wood-ear mushrooms, served hot with fish sauce, Vietnamese ham, and crispy fried shallots. The dish is simple, fast, affordable, and deeply rooted in Hanoi’s culinary culture.
Where to try Bánh Cuốn in Hanoi:
- Bánh cuốn Bảo Khánh – Address: 14 Bao Khanh Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
- Bánh cuốn Phủ Lý – Address: 39 Dao Duy Tu Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Bánh cuốn Phượng – Address: 68 Hang Cot Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
- Bánh cuốn gia truyền Thanh Vân – Address: 14 Hang Ga Str, Hoan Kiem Dis, Hanoi
Xôi Xéo – Sticky Rice with Mung Bean Paste
Xôi xéo is a comforting sticky rice dish topped with creamy mung bean paste, fried shallots, and optional add-ons such as Vietnamese ham, pâté, chicken, or marinated pork belly. It can be sweet, savory, or a mix of both—making it a versatile street food loved by locals.
Where to try Xôi Xéo in Hanoi:
- Quán xôi Thái – Address: 37 Nguyen Sieu Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
- Xôi Cát Lâm – Address: 24B Duong Thanh Str, Hanoi
- Xôi Yến – Address: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Bún Ốc – Snail Noodle Soup
A Hanoi specialty featuring chewy snails, tangy tomato broth, and fresh herbs. The combination of crispy snails and warm soup makes this dish a must-try, especially on chilly mornings.
Where to try Bún Ốc in Hanoi:
- Bún Ốc Thủy, Dong Xuan Market Alley
- Address: No.11, Dong Xuan Market Alley
- Opening hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm
- Reference price: 30,000 VND – 55,000 VND
Bún Bò Nam Bộ – Southern Beef Noodle Salad
A refreshing South-Vietnam dish popular in Hanoi. It combines vermicelli, sautéed beef, peanuts, herbs, pickled vegetables, and sweet-sour fish sauce. Light yet full of flavor.
Where to try Bún Bò Nam Bộ in Hanoi:
- Bach Phuong restaurant – Bun Bo Nam Bo: No.67 Hang Dieu street, Hanoi
- Bun Bo Nam Bo – No. 7 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem
Chả Cá – Hanoi Turmeric Grilled Fish
One of Hanoi’s oldest dishes with over 130 years of history. Catfish is grilled with turmeric and dill and served in a sizzling pan with vermicelli and herbs.
Where to try:
- Chả Cá Lã Vọng – Address: 14 Chả Cá, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
- Thăng Long Grilled Fish – Address: 21 – 31 Đường Thành, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
- Chả Cá Kinh Kỳ – Address: 43 Cửa Đông Str, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Bún Cá – Fish Noodle Soup
A hearty noodle soup featuring crispy or fresh fish fillets, tomato broth, bean sprouts, and aromatic herbs. This dish showcases the diversity of Hanoi’s soup culture.
Where to try Bún Cá in Hanoi:
- Bún Cá Chấm An Viên – Address: 48 Bat Dan Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
- Bún Cá Sâm Cây Si – Address: 05 Trung Yen Lane, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
- Bún Cá Thái bình – Address: 02 Hang Bai Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
- Bún Cá Hàng Đậu – Address: 42 Hang Dau Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Bun Rieu Cua – Crab Tomato Noodle Soupa
- A crab noodle soup consists of aromatic tomato soup, round rice noodles, and pounded crab meat, deep-fried tofu, and sometimes blood curd. The wonderful shrimp paste is also given separately to add extra flavor to your liking. The last touches to a wonderful breakfast dish are chili and fresh herbs.
Where to try:
- Bún Riêu – Hàng Bạc – Address: 11 Hang Bac Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Trang – Bún Riêu Sườn Sụn – Address: 23 Nguyen Sieu Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Bún Riêu – Hàng Lược – Address: 14 Hang Luoc Str, Hanoi
- Bún Riêu – Bát Đàn – Address: 25A Bat Dan Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
Phở Cuốn – Pho Rolls
Pho rolls wrap stir-fried beef and herbs inside fresh rice noodle sheets, dipped in a sweet-sour fish-sauce mixture. Light, fresh, and perfect for hot days.
Where to try Phở Cuốn in Hanoi:
- Phở cuốn Thanh Hằng Hà Nội – 29B Ngũ Xã, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
- Phở cuốn 31 – 31 Ngũ Xã, P. Trúc Bạch, Quận Ba Đình, Hà Nội
- Phở cuốn Hưng Bền – 33 Ngũ Xã, Quận Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Nem Rán – Fried Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Crispy, golden, and flavorful—Hanoi spring rolls combine minced pork, crab/shrimp, mushrooms, onions, eggs, and spices. A perfect appetizer.
Where to try Nem Rán in Hanoi:
- Nem rán Hàng Quạt – 74 Hàng Quạt
- Nem thịt Hàng Bè – 21 Hàng Bè
- Nem Vuông: 37 Đào Duy Từ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Bún Thang – Chicken & Egg Noodle Soup
A delicate soup made with shredded chicken, egg strips, mushrooms, and a clear bone broth. Known for its elegance and complexity.
Where to try Bún Thang in Hanoi:
- Bún Thang Bà Đức – 48 Cầu Gỗ (6 PM – 10 PM)
- Bún Thang Hàng Hành – 29 Hàng Hành
- Bún Thang Thuận Lý – 33 Hàng Hòm
Mì Vằn Thắn – Wonton Noodles
Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish offers chewy noodles, flavorful broth, and rich shrimp wontons.
Where to try Mì Vằn Thắn:
- Address: No.9 Hang Chieu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 17h30 – 23h30
- Reference price: 40.000d – 80.000d
Bò Nướng – Hanoi BBQ Beef
One of the most loved dishes at night. Beef is marinated, grilled over charcoal, and served sizzling.
Where to try:
- Bò Nướng Mã Mây – 47 Mã Mây, Hoàn Kiếm
- Reference price: 100,000 – 150,000 VND per person
Chân Gà Nướng – Grilled Chicken Feet
A popular nighttime snack. Chicken feet are marinated and grilled to order, ensuring they are always hot and flavorful.
Where to try:
- Chân Gà Nướng Ngõ Gạch – 21 Ngõ Gạch, Hoàn Kiếm
- Reference price: 40,000 – 50,000 VND
Mì Gà Tần – Herbal Chicken Noodle Soup
A deeply warming herbal chicken soup cooked with mugwort, jujube, goji berries, and tender chicken thighs.
Where to try:
- Address: No.24 Hang Bo street
- Opening Hours: 17h30 – 23h30
- Reference Price: 40.000VND – 80.000VND
Xôi Chiên – Fried Sticky Rice
Fried sticky rice is crispy on the outside and soft and aromatic on the inside. It is also served with spring rolls, braised eggs, sausages,… that all blend together to make customers want to return for more.
Where to try:
- Address: 02 Hang Dieu street
- Opening Hours: 16.00pm – 23.30pm
- Reference Price: 40.000VND – 80.000VND
Additional Old Quarter Snacks (Optional Add-Ons For Your List)
- Bánh Xèo – Vietnamese Crepes
- Miến/ Lẩu – Vietnamese Hot Pot
- Nem Chua Rán – Fried Fermented Pork Rolls
- Kem Tràng Tiền – Ice Cream
- Nộm Bò Khô Long Vi Dung – Dried Beef Salad
- Hoa Quả Dầm Tô Tịch – Mixed Fruits
- Xôi Chè Bà Thìn – Sticky Rice Sweet Soup
- Há Cảo Chiên – Fried Dumplings
- Bánh Tráng Trộn – Mixed Rice Paper
- Chè Bốn Mùa – Sweet Soup
FAQ About Hanoi Street Food
Is Hanoi street food safe for tourists?
- Yes. Hanoi is one of the safest cities in Asia for street food. Choose busy stalls, where food is cooked fresh. If you have food allergies, ask your guide or vendor in advance.
How much does street food usually cost in Hanoi?
- Most dishes range from 20,000–60,000 VND (1–3 USD). Premium dishes like Cha Ca or seafood can cost more. Overall, Hanoi offers one of the best value dining scenes in the world.
What time is best to explore Hanoi street food?
- Early morning and evening are the best. Morning is for Pho, Xoi, Bun Rieu, while night is perfect for Banh Xeo, Nem Chua Ran, BBQ, and snack streets.
Can vegetarians enjoy Hanoi street food?
- Yes! Many vendors offer vegetarian Pho, Banh Cuon Chay, spring rolls, sticky rice, and sweet soups. Or you can join a Hanoi Vegetarian Food Tour with customizable menus.
Are street food tours in Hanoi worth it?
- Absolutely. You get access to hidden alleys, local-only shops, and dishes you might never find alone. Plus, guides help explain food culture, ingredients, and safe eating tips.
Can children join a Hanoi street food tour?
- Yes. Most tours welcome children. Many dishes are mild in flavor, and vendors can adjust spice levels.
Hanoi’s street food reflects the city’s soul—busy, vibrant, flavorful, and full of surprises. Whether you’re trying Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Mi, Egg Coffee, or exploring hidden alleys with sizzling grills and smoky noodle stalls, every bite tells a story of culture and tradition.
If you’re planning your first trip—or returning for more—these Top 20 Hanoi street foods will help you taste the very best of the capital. And don’t forget: the most authentic flavors often come from the simplest street vendors.
👉 Want to experience everything in one go? A Hanoi Street Food Tour is the fastest (and tastiest) way to explore Hanoi like a local.
📌 Helpful Guides to Plan Your Perfect Hanoi Journey
To make your culinary adventure even more complete, explore these essential Hanoi travel guides:
- Top Best Day Trips from Hanoi
- Best Time to Visit Hanoi – Understand Hanoi’s weather, festivals, and the best months for street food lovers.
- Things To Do in Hanoi – From culture to nightlife, here’s everything you shouldn’t miss.
- Hanoi Old Quarter Guide – Discover the soul of Hanoi with its legendary 36 streets.
- Hanoi City Tour – Explore iconic landmarks with our local expert guides.
Each guide is designed to help you experience Hanoi in the most authentic and memorable way.
